anywayadverb
Anyway says that something is true or happens whatever else is the case, or moves the conversation on to another point.
despite thatdespite what has just been said or done; whatever the problem is
In this sense anyway usually comes at the end of the clause, often after but: It was raining, but we went out anyway.
- It was raining, but we went out anyway.
- I knew she wouldn't like it, but I told her anyway.
- Thanks anyway. (said when someone has tried to help but could not)
- The store might be closed, but let's try anyway.
Synonyms anyhow (anyhow is less common); regardless (regardless is more formal)
besidesused to add another reason or fact that supports what you have said, or that makes an earlier point unimportant
Here anyway begins the clause or follows and: I don't want to go, and anyway, I can't afford it. It says that the new reason settles the matter.
- I don't want to go, and anyway, I can't afford it.
- It's too late to call now. Anyway, she's probably asleep.
- You shouldn't worry about the test. Anyway, you've studied hard.
Synonyms besides (besides means the same here; in any case is similar)
changing the subjectused to go back to an earlier subject, to change the subject, or to bring a conversation to an end
Spoken. Anyway at the start of a sentence marks a turn in the conversation: back to the main point after a side remark, on to a new topic, or toward saying goodbye.
sentence adverb [sentence adverb] not gradable [not gradable]
Usage
Any way as two words means in any manner: Do it any way you like. In writing, anyway is fine for the first two senses, but the conversation sense (Anyway, I should go) is common in everyday speech and stays out of formal writing.